Activities

Learn how to knit
Definitely not an activity just for grandparents - knitting is an excellent therapeutic experience for everyone! Don't know what to knit? We are always looking out for donations of clothing for our babies in NICU and also Twiddlemuffs for our older patients, why not start there!

Photo courtesy of one of our avid knitters in Lawrence

Read a book
This is the perfect time to read that book that's been sitting on your shelf for the last few months. Get inspired by a best-selling memoir, indulge in a celeb-approved book or escape to a different world for a few hours. Hot drink and blanket optional.
11 must-read books in 2020

Gardening
That bed of weeds that you've always said you'll get around to? Great time to get your gardening tools up and spruce up your garden! Use this down time from work to tidy up your outdoor area - perfect activities to include the little ones as well. Checkout this guide for what to do in your garden during Autumn. 

Marie Kondo the house
Have you watched the latest house tidying sensation? Empty out your drawers and let's start folding and chucking things out that no longer spark joy!
Watch Tidying up with Marie Kondo on Netflix

Join a virtual choir
Passionate about singing? Join others who also love to sing at the Stay At Home Choir! This musical community was set up to bring like-minded people together in a tricky and trying time.

Take a virtual vacation
Just because you're stuck at home doesn't mean you can't see the world! check out these top 12 virtual tours. 

Learn a new language
Always wanted to be able to speak a different language? What better time to pick this up? Amazing apps such as Duolingo or Babble (and many more) will help you get there from the comforts of your own couch. 

Pick up a university online course - for free!
Universities around the world offering their courses online for free (or at-least partially free). These courses are collectively called as MOOCS or Massive Open Online Courses. Find over 600 free online courses here.

Get active
There are loads of resources online to help you get a workout straight in your living room with little or no equipment at all! Have a search on the internet for home workouts and been blown away (or into shape) with what you find there.

Les Mills Fitness Classes:
For a limited period of time, you can access 100+ online workouts for free. Click here to get your exercise fix.

Make Music
The Chrome Music Lab is 100% free and 100% accessible. Run online (yip no software required) you can experiment with making music until your heart's content.

Meditate
Checkout headspace for some guided meditation. For Covid-19 specifically, they have crafted a unique series called "weathering the storm". This collection covers meditation, sleep and movement exercise free for all. This can be accessed online or via their free app.

NZ-wide bear hunt
New Zealand children in lockdown will be able to partake in a nationwide bear hunt. While children are getting exercise with their parent or guardian, they can keep a look out for bears in their community - ooh exciting! More information on the bear hunt available here.

Star Gaze
Wrap up warm and get out in the night to find some local constellations, follow the guide here.

Yoga
Why not give yoga a go from the comfort of your own home? Peruse these free videos.

Volunteer
We are looking for volunteers to support SDHB with our COVID-10 pandemic response. Fill in this form or call 0800 881 144 if you are interested.

Information for community groups wishing to help

Friend someone in need
Check out Friends In Need - A free service which matches volunteers with someone in need during the COVID-19 lockdown.